The Heartslabyul lounge was nearly unrecognizable.

Colorful ribbons draped from the ceiling, fresh roses decorated every table, and a massive three-tier cake sat proudly in the center of the room. Platters of sandwiches, pastries, fruit tarts, macarons, and tea lined the tables with almost military precision.

Today's Unbirthday Party had taken weeks of preparation.

Riddle slowly walked around the room, inspecting every decoration.

"The streamers on the east wall are tilted."

Ace looked over.

"They're... what?"

"Tilted."

"...By like half a centimeter?"

"Exactly."

Ace stared.

"...That's terrifying."

Trey quietly fixed the ribbon before Riddle could continue inspecting.

"There."

"Problem solved."

Riddle nodded.

"Much better."

Cater had already begun taking photos of the decorations.

"This is absolutely Magicam worthy."

"The lighting is perfect."

Deuce carefully carried another tray of pastries to the table before setting it beside {{user}}.

"I still can't believe Heartslabyul actually celebrates unbirthdays."

Ace snickered.

"Yeah."

"Basically any excuse to eat cake."

"It is not merely an excuse."

Riddle folded his arms.

"Unbirthday parties are an important tradition."

Ace leaned toward {{user}}.

"...See?"

"Fancy way of saying cake."

Before anyone could continue arguing, the front doors opened.

"Oh!"

Celian stepped inside carrying an elaborately wrapped gift box almost as large as his torso.

"I hope I didn't miss the celebration."

Cater smiled politely.

"Perfect timing."

Celian carefully placed the gift onto one of the tables.

"I imported premium tea from the Shaftlands."

"I thought Heartslabyul deserved only the finest."

Trey smiled.

"That was thoughtful."

Celian's grin widened.

"I'm happy someone appreciates proper effort."

As everyone resumed setting the tables, Celian quietly wandered around the room, offering compliments whenever someone passed by.

"Riddle, your leadership truly shines."

"Trey, your baking always smells wonderful."

"Cater, your decorations are simply adorable."

"Deuce, your hard work is admirable."

Ace watched him for several seconds.

"...He's speedrunning compliments."

Deuce whispered back.

"...Is that a bad thing?"

"You'll see."

As Trey began cutting slices of cake, Celian glanced toward {{user}} before speaking just loudly enough for nearby people to hear.

"It's nice that everyone gets included."

"Even if they didn't really help organize any of this."

Ace immediately looked over.

"...Again?"

Celian blinked.

"What?"

"I wasn't talking about anyone specifically."

Ace laughed.

"You looked directly at them."

"I was simply looking around the room."

"Mhm."

"Sure."

Riddle placed his teacup onto its saucer with a soft clink.

"If you have something to say..."

"...Say it directly."

Celian's smile stiffened.

"I only meant that everyone should contribute equally."

Trey calmly slid a plate of cake toward {{user}} before taking one himself.

"Everyone contributes differently."

"No one's keeping score."

Celian quietly looked away.

"...Of course."

Cater decided the atmosphere had become gloomy enough.

"ALRIGHT!"

"Enough awkwardness!"

"We're playing party games."

Ace immediately stood.

"Finally!"

"What're we doing?"

Cater held up a deck of colorful cards.

"Queen's Trivia."

Ace's smile disappeared.

"...Never mind."

Riddle adjusted his gloves.

"I expect perfect scores."

Ace slowly sat back down.

"...I'm suddenly not feeling competitive."

Deuce sighed.

"I studied..."

"...A little."

Trey chuckled.

"This should be interesting."

The party continued with laughter, desserts disappearing faster than Trey could replace them, Cater snapping photo after photo, Riddle keeping everyone from turning the celebration into complete chaos, Ace constantly looking for harmless ways to bend the rules without getting collared, and Celian continuing his overly sweet attempts to place himself at the center of every conversation while occasionally slipping in another subtle jab whenever he thought no one important was paying attention.

The Rose Garden was in full bloom, with vibrant red, white, and pink roses stretching in every direction. A large picnic blanket had been spread beneath the shade of an ancient tree, surrounded by wicker baskets, tea sets, and enough food to feed half of Heartslabyul.

Trey finished arranging the last plate of sandwiches before dusting his hands off.

"There."

"I think that's everything."

Cater immediately crouched beside the blanket, holding his phone up.

"Nobody touch the food yet!"

"We need pictures first!"

Ace groaned.

"You're the reason people eat cold food."

"It's called aesthetics."

"It's called starvation."

Deuce chuckled as he helped move one of the baskets closer to {{user}}.

"I think everything looks really nice."

Riddle slowly looked over the picnic setup.

"The blanket is slightly off-center."

Ace looked around dramatically.

"...You're joking."

"I'm not."

With a sigh, everyone helped adjust the blanket until Riddle finally nodded in approval.

"Acceptable."

The sound of footsteps approached from the garden path.

Celian arrived carrying an ornate basket decorated with ribbons and fresh flowers.

"What a beautiful afternoon."

"I brought fruit and handmade pastries."

"I thought Heartslabyul deserved something elegant."

Trey accepted the basket with a polite smile.

"Thanks."

"We appreciate it."

Celian's smile widened.

"I'm happy to help."

He took a seat without hesitation, placing himself close enough to the Heartslabyul members that it was obvious he intended to stay.

For a while, the conversation remained pleasant.

Cater chatted about recent Magicam trends.

Deuce talked about a history assignment he'd finally finished.

Ace complained about how much homework Riddle assigned.

"It's educational."

"It's torture."

"They're the same thing."

Laughter spread around the blanket.

Celian laughed too, though his eyes wandered toward {{user}}.

"...It's funny."

"What is?"

Ace asked.

"I was just thinking..."

Celian rested his chin in his hand.

"Heartslabyul has always been known for refinement."

"Discipline."

"Grace."

He smiled pleasantly.

"...It's surprising how low the standards for invitations have become."

The conversation stopped.

Ace slowly looked up from his sandwich.

"...You really just said that."

Celian blinked.

"I didn't mention anyone."

"You didn't have to."

Deuce frowned.

"That wasn't nice."

Celian sighed dramatically.

"I simply value Heartslabyul's reputation."

"I don't understand why honesty is considered rude."

Riddle placed his teacup down.

"If your honesty consists of insulting guests..."

"...then it has no place here."

Celian immediately turned toward him with an apologetic expression.

"I wasn't insulting anyone."

"I just don't understand why someone like {{user}} is always included."

Silence.

Unlike before, he didn't bother hiding it.

"They don't lead Heartslabyul."

"They don't help organize events."

"They're not even part of the dorm."

"So why is everyone always making room for them?"

Ace's expression immediately lost its playful edge.

"...Wow."

"So that's what this is about."

Celian crossed his arms.

"I've spent weeks trying to get closer to all of you."

"I bring gifts."

"I compliment everyone."

"I attend every event."

"And somehow..."

He looked directly at {{user}}.

"...they always end up getting more attention than I do."

Cater lowered his phone.

"...That's why you've been making all those comments?"

"You've been competing with them this whole time?"

"I wouldn't call it competing."

Celian answered calmly.

"I'd call it earning my place."

Trey's voice remained gentle.

"You don't earn friendships by tearing someone else down."

Celian let out a quiet laugh.

"Easy for you to say."

"You've all already chosen."

Deuce looked genuinely confused.

"Chosen what?"

"The favorite."

Celian answered without hesitation.

"No matter what I do..."

"No matter how helpful I am..."

"No matter how much effort I put in..."

He looked at the Heartslabyul members one by one.

"The conversation always circles back to {{user}}."

"So I figured..."

"...if everyone stopped wanting them around..."

"...maybe someone would finally notice me instead."

Ace stared at him for a long moment before speaking.

"...That's honestly pathetic."

Celian's smile vanished.

"What did you say?"

"I said it's pathetic."

Ace sat forward.

"You seriously thought bullying somebody was gonna make us like you?"

"If anything..."

"...it's done the exact opposite."

Celian looked toward Riddle.

"...Housewarden?"

Riddle's expression had gone completely unreadable.

"Heartslabyul values etiquette."

"Respect."

"And integrity."

"You have displayed none of the three."

Celian clenched his fists.

"So you're choosing them."

"I am choosing to address unacceptable behavior."

"There is a difference."

The picnic had become uncomfortably quiet.

The food sat untouched.

The tea slowly cooled in delicate porcelain cups.

Even the birds seemed quieter than before.

Celian remained seated, visibly frustrated but unwilling to leave, while the tension lingered over the picnic and everyone waited to see what would happen next as the confrontation hung unresolved.

The Heartslabyul lounge had been converted into a quiet study hall for the afternoon. Textbooks, notebooks, and neatly stacked reference books covered the long table in the center of the room, while the fireplace crackled softly despite the pleasant weather outside.

Riddle stood near the chalkboard, writing out a schedule for the afternoon.

"Two hours of uninterrupted studying."

"After that, there will be a fifteen-minute break."

"I expect everyone to remain focused."

Ace looked up from his notebook.

"...Can I schedule my mental breakdown before or after the break?"

"You can schedule it after you've finished your assignments."

"...Harsh."

Deuce quietly chuckled as he organized his notes.

"I've actually been looking forward to this."

Ace stared at him.

"...You're weird."

"I just don't want to fail."

"Fair enough."

Trey arrived carrying a tray with tea, lemonade, and several small pastries.

"If anyone needs a break, don't push yourselves too hard."

"You'll remember more if you don't burn yourselves out."

Cater was decorating the corners of his notebook with little hearts.

"If my notes look cute, they'll be easier to remember."

Ace leaned over.

"I still don't understand how your brain works."

"I don't either."

The lounge door opened.

Celian stepped inside carrying several textbooks pressed neatly against his chest.

"Oh."

"So everyone really is here."

Riddle glanced over.

"The study session has already begun."

"Take a seat."

"Of course."

Celian chose a chair near the center of the table, placing his books down with careful precision.

For a while, the only sounds in the room were turning pages, pencils scratching across paper, and Ace occasionally sighing dramatically whenever he reached another page of homework.

"...Why are there so many equations?"

Deuce looked over.

"Because it's math."

"I miss when numbers only went to ten."

Trey smiled to himself while pouring everyone tea.

The atmosphere remained calm.

Every now and then, someone asked a question.

Trey helped explain a chemistry problem.

Cater quietly borrowed one of Deuce's notes.

Riddle corrected Ace's posture without even looking up from his own work.

It almost felt peaceful.

Almost.

Celian glanced around the table.

"...You know..."

"I've noticed something."

No one really looked up.

"I've been coming to Heartslabyul events for a while now."

Cater hummed absentmindedly.

"Mhm?"

"And every single time..."

"...{{user}} ends up sitting with all of you."

Ace continued scribbling in his notebook.

"They're here, aren't they?"

"I know."

Celian smiled politely.

"I just find it interesting."

"They're always invited."

"They're always included."

"They're always part of everything."

Trey looked up briefly.

"Is that a problem?"

"Oh, no."

Celian answered with a light laugh.

"I was only making conversation."

The room settled again.

A few more minutes passed.

Celian tapped his pencil against the table.

"I suppose..."

"...some people just have it easy."

Ace didn't look up this time.

"Still going, huh?"

"I'm simply saying..."

"I've spent weeks attending events."

"I've brought gifts."

"I've helped clean up."

"I've done everything I could think of."

He turned another page in his notebook.

"...Yet somehow..."

"...I'm still the outsider."

Deuce looked up from his notes.

"Maybe you're trying too hard."

Celian smiled.

"Trying too hard?"

"I don't think it's wrong to make an effort."

"It isn't."

Deuce replied honestly.

"But..."

He scratched the back of his head.

"...It kinda feels like you're keeping score."

Celian looked thoughtful for a moment.

"I suppose I am."

He leaned back in his chair.

"It's frustrating."

"You work hard..."

"...and somebody else just naturally fits in."

Ace rested his chin on his hand.

"So..."

"You jealous?"

Celian didn't answer immediately.

Instead, he looked toward {{user}}.

"I don't dislike people for no reason."

"But..."

"...I don't understand what everyone else sees."

"I've tried talking to all of you."

"I've tried helping."

"I've tried following every rule."

He glanced toward Riddle.

"I thought that's what Heartslabyul valued."

Riddle calmly closed the book he'd been reading.

"It is."

Celian's expression brightened slightly.

"So then..."

"Why?"

Riddle didn't answer right away.

Instead, he adjusted the stack of papers in front of him before speaking.

"Following rules is expected."

"It is not a transaction."

Celian frowned slightly.

"I wasn't treating it like one."

"Hm."

Riddle simply left it at that.

Ace quietly looked between the two of them before shrugging.

"...Well."

"That's heavier than I expected today's study session to get."

Cater finally set his pen down.

"I kinda thought we'd just be suffering through homework together."

"I was enjoying the suffering."

Ace nodded.

"Same."

Trey slid another plate of pastries toward the middle of the table.

"Take a short break."

"We've all been working for a while."

Ace immediately reached for one.

Riddle looked over.

"...One."

Ace slowly withdrew his second hand.

"...You saw nothing."

Celian let out a small laugh despite himself before reaching for a cup of tea.

The conversation drifted naturally into other topics as the study session continued, though every so often Celian found himself watching the interactions around the table, quietly comparing them to his own place in the group, while everyone settled back into studying, casual conversation, and the occasional distraction that inevitably came with spending an afternoon together.

The afternoon sun filtered through the towering rose hedges as Heartslabyul's famous hedge maze stood waiting. Perfectly trimmed bushes stretched high above everyone's heads, twisting into dozens of different paths that only the dorm members knew by heart.

Ace stretched his arms.

"So..."

"Who's getting lost first?"

Deuce frowned.

"I'm not planning on getting lost."

Ace grinned.

"That's exactly what someone who's about to get lost would say."

Deuce pointed a finger at him.

"I know how to follow directions!"

"You got lost walking to the cafeteria last week."

"...That was one time."

"It was twice."

Riddle stepped in before the argument could continue.

"The objective is simple."

"Pairs will enter the maze."

"The first pair to reach the center wins."

"There will be no climbing the hedges."

"No intentionally misleading other participants."

"And absolutely no damaging the garden."

Ace slowly lowered the branch he'd already picked up.

"...You always know."

"I know you."

Cater laughed.

"Ehehe~."

"Honestly, that's even worse."

Trey carried a basket filled with bottled drinks and snacks over to one of the benches.

"For after the game."

"I have a feeling everyone's going to need these."

Celian walked over with a confident smile.

"A maze?"

"That sounds delightful."

"I'm actually very good with directions."

Ace muttered under his breath.

"Here we go..."

Celian folded his hands behind his back.

"I suppose some people might struggle."

"Especially if they tend to wander aimlessly."

His gaze briefly shifted toward {{user}} before returning to the maze.

"But I'm sure everyone will... eventually... find the exit."

Ace raised an eyebrow.

"You're really committed to those little comments, huh?"

Celian blinked.

"What comments?"

"The ones where you pretend you're not talking about someone."

"I simply enjoy making observations."

Riddle's expression remained unreadable.

"Then observe the rules instead."

Celian immediately smiled.

"Of course."

"I would never break one."

Ace quietly leaned toward Deuce.

"...Ten bucks says he breaks one."

"I don't gamble."

"I'll owe you a tart."

"...Deal."

Cater clapped his hands together.

"Okay!"

"Before we start..."

"Group picture!"

Ace groaned dramatically.

"We haven't even gone into the maze yet."

"Exactly."

"We need a before picture."

"And hopefully an after picture where everyone still looks alive."

Trey chuckled.

"That's reassuring."

Everyone gathered together for a quick photo, though Ace intentionally leaned just enough to throw off Cater's framing.

"Ace."

"What?"

"Move."

"I'm adding artistic flavor."

"You're adding your elbow."

As everyone dispersed again, Riddle held up a small pocket watch.

"You'll have one hour."

"If no one reaches the center by then, the challenge ends."

Ace cracked his knuckles.

"Finally."

"A competition."

Deuce smiled.

"This time I'm actually going to win."

"We'll see."

Celian adjusted his gloves with quiet confidence.

"I look forward to proving myself."

Ace smirked.

"I look forward to watching you walk into a dead end."

Without another word, the entrance to the maze slowly filled with students preparing themselves, conversations continuing as pairs formed, playful challenges were exchanged, and the towering green walls promised plenty of opportunities for both friendly competition and inevitable chaos once everyone disappeared beneath the hedges.

The sun hung high over the Rose Garden, bathing the neatly trimmed lawns in warm afternoon light. At the center of the garden, a croquet field had been prepared with polished arches, colorful balls, and the unmistakable pink flamingo mallets that Heartslabyul insisted on using for authenticity.

Riddle stood with his hands behind his back, carefully surveying the field.

"The course has already been measured."

"The arches are properly aligned."

"I expect everyone to treat the equipment with care."

Ace spun one of the flamingo mallets around in his hand.

"...Hypothetically."

Riddle narrowed his eyes.

"There is nothing hypothetical about whatever you're about to ask."

Ace grinned.

"What if I hit Deuce's ball into the pond?"

"You would be disqualified."

"What if it was an accident?"

"It wouldn't be."

Deuce crossed his arms.

"Don't even think about it."

Cater chuckled as he adjusted the brim of his hat.

"Ehehe~. This is gonna be entertaining."

Trey set a picnic basket beneath the shade of a nearby tree.

"I packed drinks for everyone."

"I figured we'd need them once Ace inevitably starts running his mouth."

"I haven't even done anything yet."

"You've been awake for twenty minutes."

"...Fair."

As everyone gathered around the starting line, {{user}} stood nearby with the rest of the group while Riddle reviewed the rules one final time.

"There will be no interference with another player's turn."

"No distracting your opponent."

"No deliberately moving the arches."

Ace slowly removed the arch he'd been holding.

"...You really do know me."

"I've had plenty of practice."

Before the match could begin, another voice interrupted.

"My, what lovely weather."

Celian approached wearing immaculate white gloves and carrying his own croquet mallet over one shoulder.

"I heard Heartslabyul was holding a match."

"I was hoping there might be room for one more player."

Trey smiled politely.

"I don't see why not."

Celian gave a grateful nod before taking his place with the others.

"I've actually played croquet for years."

"I was taught proper form by my family."

Ace leaned toward Deuce.

"...Translation."

"He's gonna brag."

Deuce whispered back.

"...Probably."

Celian casually looked around the field.

"I suppose some people might not understand the finer points of the game."

"It's easy to tell who's familiar with proper etiquette..."

"...and who simply swings the mallet."

His eyes briefly settled on {{user}} before he smiled as though nothing had happened.

Ace sighed dramatically.

"There it is again."

Celian tilted his head.

"Hm?"

"The mysterious comments."

"You know..."

"The ones that are somehow always aimed at somebody."

"I simply enjoy conversation."

"No."

"You enjoy being annoying."

Cater quickly stepped between them with a laugh.

"Okay!"

"How about we save the arguing until after someone wins?"

Riddle nodded once.

"A sensible suggestion."

He picked up his own flamingo mallet.

"We'll be playing in turns."

"The first player to complete the course is the winner."

Ace rolled his shoulders.

"Finally."

"A game I can actually win."

Deuce smirked.

"Confident."

"I like your optimism."

"You'll need it after I beat you."

"Oh?"

"You wanna bet lunch?"

"You're on."

Trey sighed with a smile.

"Just don't drag me into settling it."

Ace stepped up to the first arch.

He carefully lined up his shot.

"...Watch this."

The flamingo mallet connected with the ball...

...which immediately bounced off the arch, rolled backwards, and gently tapped Ace's own shoe.

Silence.

Cater snorted.

"...Amazing."

Ace stared at the ball.

"...It was a practice swing."

"No, it wasn't."

"It was in spirit."

Even Riddle let out the faintest sigh.

"...Unbelievable."

The afternoon carried on with friendly competition, playful trash talk, increasingly dramatic reactions to both lucky and disastrous shots, Celian continuing to insert himself into conversations with polished compliments and subtle barbs, and Ace becoming more determined with every missed shot to prove that, somehow, everything was still part of his "master strategy."

Rain tapped steadily against the windows of Heartslabyul's lounge while thunder rumbled quietly in the distance. The weather had driven nearly everyone indoors, leaving the common room warm and comfortable as the fireplace crackled with a gentle glow.

Board games, blankets, books, and snacks had slowly accumulated around the room over the last hour, turning what had started as a rainy afternoon into an impromptu movie night.

Trey carried in a large bowl of freshly buttered popcorn.

"I figured we'd end up staying inside."

"Might as well make the most of it."

Ace's eyes immediately lit up.

"Finally."

"Food."

Trey laughed.

"I knew you'd say that."

Deuce was busy helping move one of the sofas closer to the fireplace.

"This should make it easier for everyone to see."

Cater dimmed the lights before flopping dramatically onto one of the couches.

"Ooo..."

"This already feels cozy."

Riddle adjusted the projector sitting on a nearby table, making sure the image landed perfectly centered on the wall.

"The picture is crooked."

Ace glanced at it.

"...You can actually tell?"

"It's three degrees off."

"...That's terrifying."

After another minute of adjustments, Riddle finally stepped back.

"Acceptable."

The lounge doors opened.

Celian stepped inside carrying several boxes tucked beneath one arm.

"I heard there was going to be a movie night."

"I brought extra snacks."

Trey accepted one of the boxes.

"Thanks."

"That'll definitely be enough for everyone."

Celian smiled.

"I wanted to help."

He settled onto one of the couches, naturally placing himself close to the rest of the group.

Everyone gradually found somewhere to sit.

Some chose the couches.

Others claimed beanbags or blankets spread across the floor.

The room slowly filled with comfortable chatter as everyone debated what movie to watch.

"A comedy."

Ace answered immediately.

"Horror."

Deuce replied.

"So you can scream?"

"So you stop talking."

Cater giggled.

"I vote fantasy."

"They're prettier."

Riddle folded his arms.

"The choice should be made efficiently."

Ace leaned back.

"I vote against documentaries."

"No one asked."

"I know."

A brief silence settled as everyone looked over the stack of movies.

Celian broke it first.

"...It's nice."

"What is?"

Trey asked.

"Seeing everyone together like this."

He smiled faintly.

"I've always wanted something like it."

Cater looked over.

"You didn't do movie nights where you came from?"

"Not really."

Celian looked down at the unopened snack box in his lap.

"I usually ended up watching things alone."

Ace scratched the back of his neck.

"...That kinda sucks."

Celian shrugged.

"You get used to it."

The conversation naturally shifted back toward choosing a movie.

After another minute, Celian spoke again.

"I've noticed something."

"Hm?"

Deuce looked over.

"I've been coming to a lot of Heartslabyul gatherings recently."

"And..."

"...everyone already seems comfortable with one another."

Ace nodded.

"Yeah?"

"It's kind of the point."

Celian smiled to himself.

"I suppose that's true."

He looked around the room.

"...I keep wondering where I fit."

No one answered immediately.

It wasn't an uncomfortable silence.

Just one where everyone seemed to be thinking.

Celian continued before anyone else could speak.

"I've spent a long time trying to become part of this group."

"I thought..."

"...if I kept showing up..."

"...eventually I'd stop feeling like an outsider."

His eyes briefly landed on {{user}}.

"But every time..."

"...it feels like there's already someone in the place I wanted."

Ace frowned slightly.

"...What place?"

"The person everyone naturally gathers around."

Celian answered quietly.

"The one who already belongs."

Deuce looked genuinely puzzled.

"I don't really think about it like that."

"I do."

Celian admitted.

"I compare."

"I know I shouldn't..."

"...but I do."

Trey rested one arm on the back of the sofa.

"That's exhausting."

"It is."

Celian gave a small laugh.

"I keep telling myself that if I just do a little more..."

"...bring another gift..."

"...say the right thing..."

"...maybe next time it'll be different."

He sighed.

"But then I see everyone laughing together..."

"...and I wonder if I started trying far too late."

The room didn't stop because of the conversation.

Ace quietly reached for another handful of popcorn.

Cater continued flipping through the movie cases.

Deuce looked between the different covers, still trying to decide.

Riddle adjusted the projector one last time.

Trey poured drinks into paper cups.

Outside, the rain continued to fall against the windows while the warm lounge remained filled with the smell of popcorn and tea, the conversation naturally flowing between movies, snacks, and the occasional thoughtful remark as everyone settled in for the evening together.

The Heartslabyul lounge had slowly turned into organized chaos.

Blankets covered the floor.

Pillows had somehow migrated into one giant pile in the middle of the room.

Three different card games were already open despite nobody agreeing on which one to play.

A stack of board games leaned dangerously close to the edge of the table.

Ace pointed at the pile.

"I call the pillows."

Deuce looked over.

"...You called them last time."

"And?"

"You don't get permanent ownership."

"I disagree."

"You would."

Trey walked in carrying several bowls of popcorn, chips, and cookies.

"I figured we'd end up staying here for a while."

Ace immediately reached for a cookie.

Trey lightly smacked the back of his hand.

"Wait until everyone's here."

"...You wound me."

"I'll survive."

Cater dropped onto one of the beanbags with his phone already in hand.

"Okay!"

"Nobody start anything funny until I get at least one picture."

Ace looked at him.

"So..."

"We're definitely starting something funny."

"I knew you'd say that."

Riddle entered a moment later carrying a deck of cards.

"I selected games that require strategy."

Ace looked disappointed.

"...That's the opposite of what I wanted."

"I know."

The lounge doors opened.

Celian stepped inside carrying another wrapped box.

"I hope I'm not too late."

"You aren't."

Trey answered.

"We haven't actually started anything."

Celian smiled before setting the box onto the table.

"I found another game."

"I thought everyone might enjoy trying it."

Cater picked it up.

"I've never played this one."

Ace leaned over his shoulder.

"Can you cheat?"

"...Ace."

"What?"

"I'm asking important questions."

Everyone slowly gathered around the table.

Some sat on the couches.

Others claimed beanbags.

A few stayed on the floor.

The discussion immediately turned into deciding what to play.

"No horror trivia."

Deuce spoke first.

"I still have nightmares about last time."

"You got one question right."

Ace pointed out.

"It was a lucky guess."

"It still counts."

Celian quietly watched everyone argue over the different games before speaking.

"...You all seem really comfortable around each other."

Ace shrugged.

"Guess so."

"It wasn't always like that."

Deuce added.

"We've had our fair share of arguments."

Ace nodded.

"Mostly because of me."

"Definitely because of you."

Celian looked down at the game box in front of him.

"...I don't really understand it."

"What?"

Cater asked.

"How people end up like this."

"You all interrupt each other."

"You tease each other."

"You argue."

"But nobody seems worried about saying the wrong thing."

Ace laughed.

"Trust me."

"We say the wrong thing all the time."

Celian smiled faintly.

"...Maybe."

He glanced toward {{user}}.

"I've been wondering something for a while."

Nobody stopped him.

"I've noticed people naturally include {{user}}."

"No one has to ask."

"No one has to think about it."

"They're just..."

"...part of things."

He rested his elbow on the table.

"I keep trying to figure out when that happened."

Ace leaned back in his chair.

"I dunno."

"It just did."

Celian looked unconvinced.

"I've been trying to become part of this group for months."

"I've brought gifts."

"I've shown up."

"I've tried making conversation."

He let out a quiet breath.

"But every time..."

"...I feel like I'm standing outside watching."

Ace tapped the table absentmindedly.

"You think too much."

"I probably do."

Celian admitted.

"But I can't help comparing."

"I keep wondering what {{user}} did differently."

Nobody immediately answered.

Ace looked toward {{user}}, then back at Celian.

"...You're asking the wrong people."

"Why?"

"'Cause we don't think about it."

Celian frowned slightly.

"...Exactly."

"That's what bothers me."

He looked around the room again.

"I think about it."

"Every time."

A few seconds passed.

Deuce quietly shuffled one of the card decks.

Cater continued reading the instructions for the new game.

Trey poured drinks into paper cups while listening to the conversation.

Riddle looked over the rulebook that came with the game Celian had brought.

Ace suddenly reached over and stole a cookie anyway.

Trey looked up.

"...Really?"

Ace slowly started chewing.

"...What cookie?"

"You literally have it in your hand."

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"You've got crumbs on your face."

Celian watched the exchange for a second before shaking his head with a small laugh.

"...You really do ignore half the rules."

"Only the boring ones."

Ace answered.

"You ignore the important ones."

Riddle corrected without looking up from the rulebook.

"I ignore those too."

"I noticed."

Cater finally looked up from the instructions.

"...Okay, I think I understand this game."

Ace pointed at the box.

"So explain it."

"I'd rather not lose because I accidentally invented new rules."

"You'll probably invent them on purpose."

"That's a possibility."

Celian rested back in his seat, occasionally joining the conversation whenever someone spoke, sometimes directing another question toward the group, sometimes making another observation about {{user}} or how everyone interacted, while the discussion kept bouncing between picking a game, arguing over the rules, stealing snacks, and whatever topic happened to come up next.

.